Happenings

Tickets are on sale now for Fireworks & Fountains at Longwood Gardens. Events take place July 4, July 19, Aug. 16, August 30 and Sept. 13. Guests may reserve a space in the viewing area after 3 p.m. For the best viewing experience, guests are encouraged to bring a lightweight folding chair. Rental chairs can be purchased for $5 each (while supplies last). Blankets are not permitted. For more information and tickets, go to longwoodgardens.org.

The Easttown Library is hosting imaginative afternoon programs for K-12 as part of its summer line-up. The schedule is as follows: Snack and Yack, (Ages 10 & up) 1 p.m. July 14, and August 4; Lego Club, (Ages 4-6) Wed., 1-2 p.m.,(Ages 7+) Wed., 2:30-3:30 p.m. June 25-Aug. 13 (There will be no program on July 23); Make it Mondays, (Ages 10 & up) 1 p.m., Mon., June 30, July 7 and 28, and August 11;Science Activities, (Ages 6 & up) 1-3 p.m., Thurs., July 3 and 17, Aug. 7 and 14; Franklin Institute: Electricity, (K-12) 1-4 p.m., Tues., July 8; Franklin Institute: Structures (K-12), 1-4 p.m., Tues., Aug. 12. All programs are free of charge and no registration is not required. For more information, call 610-644-0138, or visit www. easttownlibrary.org where you will find the Summer 2014 Youth flyer. Easttown Library & Information Center is located at 720 First Avenue, Berwyn, Pa., 19312.

NOW to AUGUST 3: If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in museum dioramas, look no further than “Unnatural History: The Odd and Remarkable Dioramas of Lori Nix,” a photographic series by nationally renowned photographer Lori Nix, at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Nix’s painstakingly crafted miniature dioramas, photographed in black and white, depict life at a typical natural history museum—with a humorous twist. “We tend to think of anything we see in an institution as being truthful. I wanted to use that assumption and portray scenes that were almost true,” Nix said. Nix’s 16 images, to be displayed in the Academy’s Art of Science Gallery, feature the rigid exhibit subjects emerging from their displays. Sharks swim through the halls; dodo birds cause havoc in the library; a one-legged T. rex gets assembled. The specimens are released from their glass cases, recaptured within the context of a diorama, and documented again in a photograph. And though the images convey action, they retain the special kind of quietness only found inside a museum. Unnatural History will be on display now through Aug. 3, 2014, and is free with regular museum admission. HOURS: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. ADMISSION: $15 adults; $13 children 3-12, seniors, college students, and military personnel; free for members and children under 3. For more information, go to www.ansp.org, or call 215-299-1000. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 19103.

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JUNE 28: Come to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park on Saturday, June 28 at 11 a.m. to learn interesting facts about snakes and turtles. Visitors will see some of the park’s resident reptiles up close at the live animal presentation. Games for the kids will be included in the fun. This program is for all ages. There is a $2 per person suggested donation. This event will be held weather-permitting, as most of the activities will be held outdoors. Upper Schuylkill Valley Park is located on Route 113 in Royersford, Pa. The park is open year-round, except major holidays. For more information about the park, visit www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?nid=875. For further information about this program, call 610-948-5170.

JUNE 28: Artisan Exchange, the indoor artisan food and farmers market in West Chester, features local food from local businesses. Artisan Exchange is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 208 Carter Drive, Ste. 13B, West Chester, in the Matlack Industrial Center. For more information, go to www.artisanexchangewcpa.com.

JUNE 28: Ride the Rails hosted by Boxcar Brewing Company. Ride the Rails is a nostalgic train ride through picturesque Chester County. Come out on Saturday, June 28 from 4-8 p.m. for an event to remember aboard a 1930s style train as it heads down the historical West Chester Railroad to Glen Mills picnic park. Boxcar Brewing will provide the food (a rockstar spread), beer (all of their best brews), and live music (stellar West Chester talent of course). Food, beverage and entertainment will be provided at Glen Mills picnic grove. Please dress comfortably for your ride on the rails and feel free to bring chairs and blankets for the time at the park. The train will return to West Chester at approximately 8 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets early as they sell out quickly. For more information and tickets, go to www.boxcarbrewingcompany.com.

JULY 1: Award-winning duo “Two of a Kind” to give workshop and concert at the Easttown Library. On Tuesday, July 1 the award-winning duo “Two of a Kind” will offer a two-part program that is suitable for all ages. At 6 p.m. there will be a workshop in which participants will make musical instruments out of recycled materials. At 7 p.m. the pair will perform “Sing! Boom! Read!” an interactive musical performance featuring songs and drumming, science experiments, fireworks and noise making. This is a free event. Registration is not required. For more information about library programs visit easttownlibrary.org, or call 610-644-0138. Easttown Library & Information Center is located at 720 First Avenue, Berwyn, Pa., 19312.

JULY 4: Downingtown Good Neighbor Day benefits the ambulance and rescue squads within the Downingtown Area School District. Good Neighbor Day is a day-long event in Kerr Park in Downingtown that starts with the Run for Life (5K, 10K & 15K) and 5K Freedom Walk at 8 a.m. Approximately 1,500 athletes participate each year. Throughout the day you can enjoy fabulous food, visit 80-100 craft exhibitors or simply enjoy one of the many activities scheduled for the day. The day is capped off with a Fireworks Grand Finale that starts at dusk. For more information, and to register for races, go to www.goodneighborday.com.

JULY 4: Kick-off your July 4th week family celebration at the historic SunnyBrook Ballroom. Use our courts to play some basketball and volleyball. Play a game of horseshoes. Have an All-American hotdog or hamburger from our outside grill. Bring and display your classic or vintage car and receive a free sandwich. The fun starts at noon. Then, at 2 p.m. join the crowd in the ballroom for a rousing flag-waving (you will receive a flag) concert of patriotic music with an area favorite the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit. Tickets for the concert are $10; children 6-12 are $5; children under 6 are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.thesunnybrookballroom.net.

JULY 5: Fort Mifflin celebrates Independence Day with a blast - FREEDOM BLAST! on Saturday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Journey through the Declaration of Independence with activities and public readings of the document that gave birth to our nation - at a site that defended it against the greatest bombardment of the Revolutionary War. Participate in the Flag Raising Ceremony (10:15 a.m.), then stay to enjoy guided tours, hands-on living history activities, uniform, weapon and cannon demonstrations. Join the Army (circa 1777) and learn to drill with a wooden musket! Enjoy the view and the breeze in the riverfront picnic area. Free parking. General admission tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for Veterans or students under 12. Fort Mifflin is proud to be a Blue Star Museum, offering complimentary admission for all active duty military personnel and their families. ID required. Fort Mifflin on the Delaware is located atFort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads, Philadelphia, Pa. 19153. For more information, call 215-685-4167, or go to www.fortmifflin.us.

JULY 5: The Chester County Commissioners, Chester County Facilities & Parks and Herr Foods, Inc. are pleased to present the23rd Annual Freedom Fest at Nottingham County Park on Saturday, July 5 from 6 – 11 p.m. The event features festival-style foods, activities, live music and a dazzling fireworks display. There is no admission fee to Freedom Fest, but there is a$10/ per vehicle parking fee at Nottingham County Park and Herr’s Corporate Center. Gates open at 6 p.m. Enjoy a variety of festival style foods, or bring your own picnic. There will be live music, amusements and fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. Field seating is available for both the stage performances and the fireworks show. Early arrival is encouraged, and blankets and lawn chairs recommended. Please be advised that pets and canopies are NOT PERMITTED in the Freedom Fest viewing field. Pets, canopies and strollers areNOT PERMITTED on the shuttle buses. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Coolers and similar items are subject to search. Plan to arrive early. In cooperation with West Nottingham Township officials, parking plans and road restrictions will be in effect. All roads to Freedom Fest will close by 9 p.m. Signs will be in place to guide visitors to appropriate locations. As of 3 p.m., Old Baltimore Pike and Park Road, which lead directly to Nottingham County Park, will be one-way between Herr Drive and Cemetery Road. At 5 p.m, Old Baltimore Pike and Park Road to Cemetery Road close to all private vehicle traffic. (Cemetery Road between Glen Roy and Park Road will remain closed until midnight.) Vehicles may access the park via Cemetery Road until all spaces are occupied, or park at the Herr’s Corporate Center on Herr Drive and take a free shuttle to the park. In case of inclement weather, Freedom Fest rain date is Sunday, July 6. Vouchers will be distributed at both parking locations. Nottingham County Park is located at 150 Park Road, Nottingham, PA, six miles south of Oxford, PA, off US Route 1, just above the Maryland State Line in southwestern Chester County. For more information detailing event facts, road restrictions and parking areas, contact Nottingham County Park at 610-932-2589 or visit www.chesco.org/ccparks.

JULY 6: The 1756 Uwchlan Meeting House, 5 N. Village Ave. Lionville, will be open to the public on July 6, August 3, from 2: to 4 p.m. The Woman’s Community Club of Uwchlan manages rentals of this historic site for the Uwchlan Conservation Trust and also uses it for meetings. Members serving as hostesses will show a film and discuss the historical significance of the meeting house. It is preserved as the oldest public building in Uwchlan Township For additional information, call 610-524-9396.

JULY 10: Swingin’ Summer Thursday in downtown West Chester on July 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. features food, music, clowns, artists, magicians, jugglers, zip lining and lots of family fun. Music on June 5 will be provided by The Mummers All Starts. Other Swingin’ Thursdays take place August 7, September 4. For more information, go to www.west-chester.com/recreation.

JULY 11 - 13: Blobfest: Clash of the Kaiju at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville. Celebrate the cult classis movie “The Blob.” The three-day events features movies, costume contest, street fair and more. For more information, go to thecolonialtheatre.com.

JULY 11: Join Natural Lands Trust and WXPN for a celebration of the night sky! Enjoy a relaxing evening of live music, adult beverages, delicious treats, crackling fire, star gazing, and sunset socializing at the picturesque ChesLen Preserve. Unwind by the bonfire as you listen to XPN local singer-songwriter Ginger Coyle. Enjoy complimentary beer from Victory Brewing Co., wine from Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, and non-alcoholic beverages; and snack on delicious treats. Explore the starry skies with the Chesmont Astronomical Society. After sunset, astronomers will train their telescopes on faraway planets and stars, and invite you to take a peek. Don’t forget to bring your own picnic blanket or camping chairs, and wear sturdy shoes as there is uneven ground. This event takes place Friday, July 11, 8 to 11 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, July 12) at ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, PA 19320. ChesLen Preserve is a 1,263-acre nature preserve owned and managed by Natural Lands Trust. It includes sweeping agricultural fields, densely wooded stream corridors, and rare serpentine barrens. There are many points on the property from which visitors can gaze for miles in any direction and see virtually no signs of modern development. This event is suitable for adults ages 21 and older. Tickets are $20 per person; Natural Lands Trust and WXPN members get half off the ticket price! Space is limited and pre-registration (no walk-ins) is required. To register, visit getinvolved.natlands.org/event-registration.

AUG. 9: The Downingtown Main Street Association presents Swingin’ Summer Saturday to be held on Saturday, August 9, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a street festival located on Wallace Avenue just off Lancaster Avenue with food and craft vendors, along with great musical entertainment. Vendor applications and sponsor opportunities available at www.downingtownmainstreet.com or contact the Main Street office at 610-269-1523, or email info@downingtownmainstreet.com.